Aquabotix unveils SwarmDiver micro USV/UUV

UUV Aquabotix has introduced SwarmDiver, a micro USV and UUV designed to operate in a swarm, the company announced on 9 April.

Multiple SwarmDivers can function simultaneously as a single coordinated unit, controlled via one operator on the surface, and perform dives on command to collect intelligence.

The miniaturised system has a weight of 1.7kg, a length of 75cm and can dive to a vertical depth of 50m carrying various sensor payloads. The system can provide wireless data feedback upon surfacing, and is deployable in groups for synoptic data gathering.

Whitney Million, chief executive officer, Aquabotix, said: ‘Until today, there were simply no micro hybrid USV/UUV vehicles and no swarming unmanned vehicles with diving capabilities, commercially available in the industry.

‘Maritime swarming is rapidly becoming an area of focus for naval forces globally and SwarmDiver leads a revolution in underwater technologies. SwarmDiver advances amphibious warfare tactics as it is engineered to handle dynamic operational situations, including ISR missions and sophisticated, coordinated assaults through tracking, trailing and overwhelming targets.'

In addition to defence and security applications, SwarmDivers can be deployed in research, harbour management and oceanography.